Parliament Question: Construction and Upgradation of Rural Roads in Bihar

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 351 ANSWERED ON 21/07/2026 CONSTRUCTION AND UPGRADATION OF RURAL ROADS IN BIHAR 351. Shri Arun Bharti: Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether the systematic implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has successfully ensured all- weather road connectivity for remote habitations in Bihar; (b) if so, the total kilometers of new rural roads constructed and older roads upgraded using central financial assistance in the State during the last two financial years; (c) whether this enhanced connectivity has effectively allowed rural farmers to transport perishable agricultural produce to urban markets quickly, thereby increasing their daily incomes; (d) if so, the details of the stringent quality control inspections conducted to ensure the durability and safety of the newly constructed pavement infrastructure; and (e) the future initiatives planned to incorporate sustainable, locally available green materials and plastic waste in the construction of rural roads to reduce environmental impact? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN) (a) & (b): The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has been instrumental in establishing systematic, all-weather road connectivity across the rural areas of the country including the State of Bihar. The phase-wise details of new road length constructed and older roads upgraded in the State of Bihar during the last two financial years (FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26) are placed at Annexure. (c): Independent evaluation studies commissioned by organizations such as NITI Aayog and the World Bank confirm that the expansion of the rural road network under PMGSY significantly enhances farm- to-market logistics. The consolidation of "Through Routes" and Page 1 of 3"Major Rural Links" has reduced transit times and transportation costs, facilitating faster integration of rural agricultural hubs with urban wholesale markets and Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs). (d): To ensure the structural durability and long-term performance of rural roads, a robust Three-Tier Quality Control Mechanism is implemented under the scheme: i. First Tier: Continuous quality control and field testing managed directly by the Program Implementation Units (PIUs) of the state executing agency. ii. Second Tier: Independent quality monitoring coordinated by the State Quality Monitors (SQMs) to conduct structured inspections of ongoing and completed works. iii. Third Tier: Independent, high-level quality audits executed by empanelled National Quality Monitors (NQMs) under the aegis of the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) to enforce strict adherence to standard engineering specifications. (e): The Ministry actively promotes sustainable construction practices through the guidelines established in the "Vision Document on New Technology Initiatives & Guidelines". Under this framework, the adoption of green technologies is being mainstreamed across all rural road projects, utilizing alternative materials to lower environmental footprints: i. Waste Plastic: The guidelines mandate the compulsory use of waste plastic in at least 70% of the eligible length proposed for bituminous road works using the Hot Mix process. ii. Alternative Green Technologies: New and alternative green technologies include cold-mix technology, cell-filled concrete, roller compacted concrete pavements, and industrial/agro- wastes (like fly-ash and slag), along with the application of stabilized sub-bases using locally available marginal materials to preserve natural resources and reduce carbon emissions. ***** Page 2 of 3ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 351 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2026 Details of Road Length Constructed and Upgraded under PMGSY in Bihar during the last two Financial Years (In Kilometers) New Connectivity Upgradation Financial Length Total Length Length Year Constructed Completed Completed (PMGSY-I) (PMGSY-II &III) 2024-25 28.971 1611.88 1640.851 2025-26 15.611 719.783 735.394 ***** Page 3 of 3